Shock absorber



Dec. 8, 1925. 1,564,556

a. x.. GooDr-ELLOW SHOCK ABSORBEH Filed DeC. l5, 1924 5k Sheets-Sheei'I l Dec. 8, 1925'. 1,564,556

R. L.GOODFELLOW SHOCK- ABSORBER V glu/mutex ROBERT L. GooDFELLow.

Swann Dec. s', 1925. 1,564,556

R. L. GOODFELLOW SHOCK ABSORBER Filed Dec. 15, 1924 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 T15 I4 l' RQBERT L. GoonFELLoW,

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R. L. GOODFELLOW SHOCK ABSORBER Filed Dec. l5, 1924 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 IGAS.' /ff ,'ag

Trai@ Rasa L. GooQFgLLew,

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R. L. GOODFELLOW SHOCK ABSORBER Filed Dec. 15, 1924 ROBERT L. GOODFELLOW,

atto@ wat! Patented F, i925.

m au e all., gli

ROBERT L. GQGDFFLLOW, OF FINGER, OKLAHOMA.

SHOCK ABSORBER.

Application filed December To all whom t may concern.'

Be it known that l, Ronnnr L. Goonvnn- Low, a citizen of the United States, residing at Binger, in the county of Caddo and State oli' (Eklalmma, have linvented certain new and useful Improvements in Shock Absorbers, ot which the following is a speci- .tication My invention relates to improvements in shock absorbers.

ln accordance with my invention, the use oi a very light and flexible oo il spring or springs in the shock absorber is rendered possible by having the different leverages controlling the action and stress of the coil spring, very small, such leverage decreasing as the parts ol the shock absorber contract. 'lhis causes equalization on all shocks, and the leverage controlling the action is longer, thus making the correct action. Perfect equalization ot shocks and stresses produces a high degree ot susceptibility and resiliency oil the coil springs, eliminating the short bumps and jarrings, thus taking the pounding and hammering' oil of the tires and greatly reducing the vibilation and strain on the car. Further, the springs do not have the strong quick rebound, which would intensity the rebound ot the car body, and these springs will serve las an absorber tor the rebound shocks caused by the leaf springs, and after reaching the normal position, they will snub further upward motion. By having the same free action of other spring shackles, the center of the coil springs are mounted on a parallel line with the fulcrum, thereby causing direct coil spring action on all shocks, absorbing` side shocks as smoothly and effectively as they do straight shocks and rebounds. Perfect stabilization of the body is obtained by having a simple and eilective side sway stop, that causes the correct adm issible amount of outward and inward motion, in proportion to the downward and upward motion, at cach end of the leaf springs, when checkingl side sway, by compressing the coil springs on both sides of the car. The device possesses etlective and advantageous operation, neat appearance, simplicity of design, lightness, yet ample strength.

Other objects and advantages ot the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

ln the accompanying drawings forming 15, 1.92/1.. serial no. 756,059.

a part of this specification and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a shock absorber embodying my invention,

Figure 2 is a plan view of the same,

Figure 3 is a transverse section taken on line 3-3 of Figure 1,

Figure l is a plan view of one of the links and associated elements included in the device,

Figure 5 is a detailed Section taken on line 5-5 of Figure 4, l

Figure 6 is a longitudinal vertical. section taken on line 6--6 of Figure 2,

Figure 7 is a perspective view of one of the swinging members,

vFigure 8 is a similar view of the coinpanion swinging member,

Figure 9 is a perspective view ot a grease CUP Figure 10 is a detailed horizontal section through the adjustable joint between the lever and its arm,

Figure 11 is'a side elevation of a second forni of shock absorber embodying my invention,

Figure 12 is a plan view of the same,

Figure 13 is a transverse section taken on line 13513 of Figure 15,

Figure ll is a transverse section taken on line lll-14 of Figure 11,

Figure 15 is a similar view taken on line 15-15 of 'Figure 11,

Figure 16 is a plan view of the connecting links and associated elements,

` Figure 17 is a horizontal section taken on line 17-17 of Figure 11,

Figure 18 is a perspective view of the outer arm or lever,

Figure 19 is a similar view of the inner arm or lever, and,

Figure 20 is a side elevation of the perch, showing the adjustable stop.

ln the drawings wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred embodiment of my invention, the numeral 2O designates the axle of an automobile, such as the trontaxle of a Ford automobile. Arranged upon this front axle is a perch 21, the shank 22 of which passes through the usual vertical opening in the axle. rlfhis perch is provided with the llanges 23, to hold the perch against turning movement, should the nut ot the perch become accidently loosened.

The perch 2l is provided at its upper end with a horizontal head 23 having an opening 24 formed therein.

The shock absorber, embodies companion swinging members or frames 24 and 25. The member 24 includes an upper preterably curved arm 2G, which is forked providing a pair of spaced arms 27 which depend from the arm 2G and are inclined outwardly, with respect to the axle 20. The arms 27 are preferably fiat and have openings 28 'formed therein. The arms 27 are bent at their lower Yfree ends into hooked portions 29, as shown. The lower swinging companion member or trame embodies an arm or lever 30, Which is rorked at its inner or rear end, providing spaced arms 8l and 32. It is preferred that the arm 3l be laterally adjustable with respect to the lever or arm 30, and to accomplish this, lthe arm or lever 30 is provided in its base with a transverse recess 34. square in cross section, for receiving a shank S5, square in cross section, rigidly attached to the arm 3l. The shank 35 is shorter than the depth or the recess 34, and hence the ai in 3l maybe shifted laterally toward the arm S2, to coinpensate 'for Wear, as will be described. The base 33 is preferably provided with a surrounding iange 36, receiving the shank 35 and a part or the arm 31, and positively preventing any turning movement of the arm upon the base. The arms 3l and 32 are bent at their i'ree ends into hooked portions 37. The arms 3l and 32 entend inwardly, in the general longitudinal direction or the lever.

30. The arms 3l and 32 are provided near their centers with openings 38, as shown.

A. tubular bolt or pivot element 39, see particularly Figure 3, is provided with apertures 40, for the escape of oil or like lubricant. This bolt is placed through a brass bushing 4l, held Within the opening 24 of the head of the perch. rlhe bushing 4l and bolt project beyond the opposite sides ot' the head 23, as shown. Annular brass bushings 42 are mounted upon the end portions or the bolt and have inner recesses receiving the ends or the bushing 4l. The bushings 42 have outer recesses 44, receiving the inner ends of tubular brass bushings 45, which are mounted upon the ends or the bolt 39. The bushings 45 are lianged at theizl outer ends, as shown at 46. The bushing 45 at the lett is held in place by the head 47 of the bolt while the other bushing 45 is held in place by the nut 48, held against accidental displacement by means of a cotter pin 50 or the like. As clearly shown in Figure 3 the tubular bushings 45 are pivotally mounted Within the openings 88, While the bushings 42 are pivotally mounted Within the openings 2S. A grease cup 5l is connected With the head 47 oi* the bolt and disvcharges,grease into the tubular bolt Which in -carried by the arm or lever 30.

turn properly lubricates the several parts thereof. lt is obvious that the head 47 and nut 48 and associated elements hold the arms 3l and 32 against lateral displacement, and when the parts Wear the same may be taken up by screwing up the nut 48, which may be allowed by virtue of the lateral adjustability of the arm 8l, as described.

rIhe arm or leveil 26 is provided at it outer end with a head 52, arovided upon it lower face with kan annular recess 53. rlhis head also carries a depending rubber bumper 54,suitably secured thereto. ylhe recess receives the upperVV end of a double conical con'ip-ressible coil spring the lower end ot which is seated Within a recess or groove 5G, iormed in the upper iace ot a head 57, The head 57 is provided with upstanding rubber bumper 58, adapted to engage with the bumper prior to the contacting or". the leaf spring-,With the axle, to prevent such contact, to be more fully explained. rlhe head 57 is provided upon .its bottom with a rubber bumper 59, suitably secured thereto, to contact with the upper 'tace ol' the axle 20. tor checking side sway of the body ot the lar, as will be more Jfully explained.

The numeral GO designates a pair of inner links, the outeends'ot which vfit Within the 'forked ends 29 of the arms 27. These outer ends and forked ends are apertured for receiving pivot elements or bolts Gl, as shown.

As more clearly shown in Figures 4 and 5, a grease cup 62 is provided having an opening 63 in its rear end, for receiving the for- Ward end of the link 60. The side Walls of the grease cup are conined between the sides of the link and the sides oi lthe Yforked ends 29. The top or the grease cup has an opening 64 through which the oil or the like may be passed and this opening is covered by a sliding door ($5, urged forwardly by a spring 66, as shown. The links (i0 are preferably provided in their lower edge with ports G7, by means of Which the oil or lubri. `nt may splash upwardly to the bolts 61 l contacting parts. rThe numeral 68 designates a pair of outer links, the outer ends ot which are arranged with the forked ends 37 of the arms 3l and 3L. These links and Yforked ends are apertured for receiving bolts or pivot elements 69. The links 68 are equipped with the same grease cups, 62 as shown.

The links 60 and 68 are provided at their inner ends with heads 70 and 7l, having openings for receiving brass bushings 72. These brass bushings receive a tubular bolt 73 having apertures for the discharge of the oil or grease. The tubular bolt 73 is provided at one end Awith a head 74, carrying a grease cup 75. to supply the oil or grease to the interior or" the tubular bolt, and at its opposite end with a washer 76, and a nut 77, ends or' the bushings 84. The numeral 89 locked against accidental rotation by a cotter pin or the like. The bolt 73 receives upon its central portion a brass bushing 7 9, held by the eye 80, formed upon the front lett spring 81 of a Ford automobile or the like.v

1f desired, the arm 8O may have a notch 82 cut therein, opposite a notch 83, in the arm 27, and a suitable piece of metal may be passed between these arms into the notches, to temporarily lock the arms 26 and 30 against further swinging movement toward cach other. rlhis enables the eye 80 of the left spring to be more conveniently applied to the bolt 7 8. Ot' course this piece of metal is removed from these notches when the shock absorber is in use.

ln operation, when absorbing primary shocks, as the axle 20 moves upwardly, the left spring 81 remaining relatively stationary, against vertical movement, the links 80 and 68 have their inner ends drawn downwardly, and the companion swinging members are turned upon their pivots, so that the arms 28 and 80 are moved toward each other, to compress the spring 55. The spring therefore absorbs the primary shock. 1n absorbing the secondary shocks, when the body of the vehicle moves upwardly with respect to the axle 20, the links 80 and 68 have their inner ends moved upwardly beyond the normal position, and hence the swinging companion members are turned upon their pivots, so that their arms 26 and 30 move toward each other, and compress the spring 55. When the body of the car tends to sway sideways the device functions to retard such swaying movement. Assunn ing that the car sways to the lei't, it will be seen that the links 60 and 68 of the shock absorber to the right, are moved upwardly l and inwardly. This action lirst compressed the spring and subsequently the bumper 59 is moved downwardly in contact with the axle 20, thus arresting the side sway. The shock absorber upon the lett side also functions to retard or prevent the side sway to the left. In this shock absorber to the left, the links 60 and 68 are swung downwardly and outwardly, thereby compressing the spring 55, which will oppose the swaying movement.

Attention beingcalled to Figures 11'to19 inclusive, the numeral 82 designates a perch secured to the rear axle of an automobile such as a Ford automobile. This perch is provided with a tubular head 88, receiving therein outer tubular brass bushings 84e, having flanges 85. Mounted within the outer bushings 84. are inner tubular brass bushings 88, as shown. The numeral 87 designates a pair ot inner levers or arms, which are in- -:liued, and are provided between their ends w21-h openings 88, pivotally receiving the designates a pair of outer levers or arms, which are inclined and provided between their ends with tubular bosses 90, pivotally mounted upon the outer ends of the bushings 86. The bushings 8G receive a tubular bolt 91, which pivotally supports the parts. This tubular bolt is provided at one end with a washer 92 and nut 98 and at its opposite end with a head 04, carrying a Cap 85, which constitutes a grease cup. A suitable lubricant is therefore ted through the tubu lar bolt to the several surrounding contacting elements. Tie levers or arms 87 and 89 are arranged in pairs, producing like construction, with the opposite ends of the levers extending above and below their pivots. The upper ends of the levers 89 are oiiset inwardly, to bring heads or cup 98, formed therein in alinement with heads or cups 97, carried by the upper ends of levers 87. Compressible coil springs 98 have their ends held within these cups 96 and 97. Retractile coil springs 80 are connected at their ends with loops 100, attached to transverse pins 101, held within recesses 102. These loops 100 may slice outwardly through openings 100A. The springs 98 take up the primary shocks, while the retractile springs 99 take up the secondary or rebound shocks.

rilhere being two pairs o1 the scissors like construction it is obvious that two sets of links must be provided to pivotally connect the lower ends of the same with the leai spring oi' the automobile. As clearly shown' in Figure 17, the leai spring 101', has its end bent into an eye 102', receiving the inner ends of tubular brass bushings 103u These tubular bushings receive inner tubular brass bushings 10%, projecting outwardly beyond the tirst named bushings. A tubular holt 105 is passed through the inner tubular bushing and is provided in one end with a washer 108, a head 107, and a grease cup 108. ilhetubular bolt is apertured, as shown. At its opposite end, this bolt carries a nut 109 and a washer 110.

The numeral 111 designates pairs of outer links, provided at their lower ends with head 112, pivotally mounted upon the bushings 108. These links 112 are providedA at their upper ends with heads 113, provided upon their inner faces with annular grooves 114-, to receive annular flanges 115, formed upon the opposite faces oi' the lower ends or the levers 89. A tubular apertured bolt 116 pivotally connects these parts and the same may be equipped with a suitable grease cup 117 for supplying the lubricant thereto. The function of the annular grooves and iianges is to provide a construction which will prevent the lubricant from escaping. The numeral 118 designates in ner links, provided at their lower ends with heads 119, pivotall'y mounted upon the outer bushings 103. rlhe links 118 areprovided at their Aupper ends vwith heads 120, receiving therebetween heads 121 formed upon the lower ends or `the levers '87. The heads 121 are provided upon their opposite faces with annular ribs or llanges 122 titting within annular grooves 123, formed in the heads 120. These engaging parts are pivotally connectedL by tubular apertured bolts 124, carrying grease cups 12?' whereby the parts are properly lubricated.

'lhe perch is provided with a transverse opening 126, receiving a transverse adjustable stop 12T, adaptea'l Yto be locked in a desired position by a bolt 128. rlliis stop has notches allording inclined faces 129 and 130, which may Contact with the edges oi the levers S7, and limit there swinging movement in that direction. his isimportant, to serve as ay retin-ding or breaking action `to prevent side sway ot the automobile.

lin view or' the toregijoing description, it is obvious that the primary shocks will be absorbed by the springs by virtue ot the action ot the pivoted levers. The secondary rebound shocks will be absorbed by the springs 99.

It is to be understood that the forms ol my invention herewith shown and described, are to be taken as preferred examples or the same, and that various changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of my invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a shock absorber, a. perch, a pair ot levers pivotally mounted upon the perch between their ends and having parts which cross, a compressible coil spring held between correspon-ding ends ol' the levers, hooks formed upon the opposite ends ot the levers, links having their outer ends pi-votally mounted within the hooks, grease cups receiving the outer ends of the links and arranged between the links and the sides ot the hooks, a pivot element connecting the inner ends ot the links, and a leaf spring supported by the pivot element.

2. In a shock absorber, a perch, an upper lever pivoted upon the perch and having a lower angularly arranged portion which extends toward the tree ends oit the lever, a lower lever pivotally mounted upon the i perch `and having an angularly arranged `portion which extends from the tree endet such lower lever, a compressible coil spring held .between the iree ends of the levers, links having ,their outer ends pivotally connected with the ends or the angularly arranged portions, and a pivot element ,connectingthe inner ends ot the links. and adapted vi'for connection with the leat spring ofthe automobile.

3. lnashock absorber, a perch, an upper lever pivoted upon .the perch ,and embodying a torked portion, a lower` lever pivoted upon the .perch and embodying a forked portion, a compressible coil spring held between the treeends of the levers, pairs oi links having .their outer ends pivotally connected with the ends et the iorked portions, and aepivot` element connecting the inner ends or the pairs oi links.

l. ln af shock absorber, a perch, a pair ot levers pivoted upon the perch, a resilient elementiheldbetween corresponding ends ot thellevers, a rubber binnper carried byi the lower ,leverv and `adapted to contact with the axle `olf the automobile,r and load supporting means pivotally `connected with the opposite ends or' the levers.

5. ln .a shock absorber, a pair of levers, a perch, means Ypivotally vmounting the ylevers upon the perch, a compressible coil spring held between the ends or' the levers, rubber bumpers carried upon the inner sides of the levers, a rubber bumper carried upon the outer side of the lower lever, and load supporting means connected with the opposite end or the levers.

6. In a lshock absorber, a perch, a pivot element carried thereby, an upper lever having a Jforked portion embodying a pair of spaced arms, means whereby one arm is laterally adjustable with respect to the lever, said arms having openings for receiving the pivot element, a lower lever having a 'forked portion including a pair of spaced arms .which have openings to receive the pivot element, a spring held between the cor responding ends ot the levers, pairs or' links having their inner endspivotally connected with said arms, and adjustable pivot means connecting the inner ends o'l the links, and serving as load supporting means.

In testimony whereot I ai'iiX my signature.

RGBERT L. GOQDFELLOW. 

